Efficiency of Processing Operations and Service Performance in Western Maryland

The U.S. Postal Service announced Network Rationalization Initiatives in 2011 as an initiative to shrink its infrastructure through strategic consolidations and closings of mail processing facilities. The Postal Service used Area Mail Processing (AMP) guidelines to consolidate mail processing functions. These guidelines were designed to increase productivity through more efficient use of equipment, facilities, staffing, and transportation. To meet these objectives, the Postal Service consolidated the Cumberland Customer Service Mail Processing Center (CSMPC) in Western Maryland into the Baltimore Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) by fiscal year 2014.On February 24, 2022, U.S. Representative David Trone of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District requested the Office of Inspector General examine service delays and disruptions in Western Maryland (3-digit ZIP Codes beginning with 215 and 267), including an examination of the current postal processing arrangement.